Just need some reassurance if possible.

[Vi37]

My HA is spiralling this week, I'm just looking hopefully for some reassurance, please don't mention any scare stories etc I cant deal with it!. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so I knowni need to be checked. I'm worried about my armpit. There's no actual lump, my armpit where you shave seems to stick out more than my other armpit it just feels to me like my muscle is bigger or in a different place in that arm to my other, the thing is I'm about 90% sure its always been like this purely because I remember thinking how easy that one is to shave but because I'm a complete fruit loop everything is getting out of proportion. I'm hoping other people have the same as me just to calm me down a bit? I had an ultrasound on that exact area and breast two years ago and I also had a manual exam by my GP exactly 1 year ago too. Thank you

I’ve had this too! It comes and goes and I think it’s just minor swelling of soft tissue caused by any number of things, like bras digging in or even water retention. It sounds like you’re staying on top of your breast health, which is a great thing! Best wishes! 💐

You are not the only one with HA OP I’ve had it most of my life and nowadays I get myself checked by the GP even if it’s just for reassurance, instead of worrying myself sick.

Thank you for the quick replies, I'm just in a massive panic, sat at work and my eyes keep filling up.

It feels like the muscle in the armpit itself, closer to my arm is bigger when I raise my arm, I cant feel any kind of lumps etc when my arms are down at my side.

I can’t help but wonder if you have strained a tendon and have a bit of swelling. Is the area warm? Can you take any ibuprofen for the ‘swelling’ to see if that helps? It can be so hard to let go of a worry once we start thinking about it! The reassuring thing is that you will see your GP tomorrow.

I dont think its noticibly warm no and It doesnt hurt at all.

I have always had a bulge in one armpit and the other ,"indented" like normal. 56 years old and noticed enough to worry about it at 19. Went to doctor who said "some people are like that, come back if it gets bigger, goes hard or hurts a lot". It hasn't so far 🙂. If you are worried about it changing i would see a doctor. If it has stayed the same since your last check I would stop worrying.

Thank you. Had to take a diazepam, feeling very panicky.

The issue here isn't your armpit feeling a bit bigger or whatever. The issue is your health anxiety and that is probably what you need to explore with the doctor. I know how horrible HA is but getting to the crux of it is crucial for you because next month you'll have moved in to something else

I have the same op and a few years ago had an awful bout of health anxiety connected to it. My gp thoroughly examined me and could feel nothing at all! She said if anything it could be a muscle that I was feeling. Try to relax and stop poking and prodding it...you'll make it tender and then you'll really start worrying been there done that

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. its reassuring to know some people have wonky bits the same as me. Cant get an appointment at the docs for love nor money at the moment.

Shame you couldn’t see your GP @Vi37 could you arrange a video/phone call, maybe send a photo?

I have this. It has developed over the last few years, an obvious swelling in one armpit. It has been checked over by 2 docs and it is just a fatty deposit. Apparently fat distribution alters when you get past a certain age.

Having HA myself, I would imagine the relief is temporary after being seen? That you start wondering whether you explained it properly, were they thorough enough etc.

Is it on your dominant arm by any chance? Could just be that?

You have my sympathies OP. HA is a dreadful anxiety to have because it’s obviously normal to get ill but the spiralling that goes with normal illnesses is just shit.

Yes, temporary relief and then guilt that I've wasted a doctors time. I also completely blame myself for looking on the Internet about these things. I wish I'd have never read things that I've read. I sometimes wish I could just go back to being 5 again and not know any of this my only worry was which colour crayon to choose next!

It’s good to know we are not the only ones. I recognise myself on all of the above, relief at being seen, then wondering whether the doctor’s diagnosis was right, and yes wishing I never read a certain article or heard something mentioned on tv! I tried not to google but that seems to be a compulsion too, you are looking for reassurance but often you pick the possible worst outcome!

I know, I say to myself no dont read that, then carry on reading, then panic, then try to find counter arguments then this is when it starts. Its true what they say. Ignorance is bliss but unfortunately you can't unread things.

Well I've got a brand new box of fluoxetine in the cupboard, in date, I've taken it upon myself to start them myself. I feel I've made the right decision